Agar-agar 1100 25 g

Agar-Agar 1100: The Natural Gelling Powerhouse for Cosmetics

Discover the natural versatility of Agar-Agar 1100, a premium-grade ingredient sourced from Germany. This fine powder, with its characteristic white to creamy off-white color, is a powerful gelling agent derived from red algae (Gelidiaceae). Highly valued for its exceptional thickening and stabilizing properties, Agar-Agar 1100 dissolves in hot water (from 95°C), making it an indispensable component for creating a wide array of innovative and effective cosmetic products.

Description and Key Features

Agar-Agar (INCI: Agar) is a natural hydrocolloid extracted from various species of red algae. It's a complex polysaccharide primarily composed of agarose and agaropectin. Agar-Agar 1100 specifically refers to its high gelling strength, indicating its ability to form firm gels even at low concentrations. This makes it a highly efficient and economical choice for formulators.

Key features and benefits:

• Exceptional Gelling Strength: Known for its robust gelling capabilities, Agar-Agar 1100 creates firm, stable gels and provides excellent viscosity to cosmetic formulations.
• Natural Origin: Derived entirely from seaweed, it's a natural, plant-based alternative to synthetic thickeners or animal-derived gelatin, appealing to consumers seeking vegan and natural products.
• Thermo-Reversible Gel: Gels formed with Agar-Agar are thermo-reversible, meaning they can be melted by reheating and re-set upon cooling, offering flexibility in formulation and processing.
• Stabilizing Properties: Beyond gelling, it acts as an effective stabilizer for emulsions and suspensions, preventing ingredient separation and improving product consistency.
• Odorless and Neutral: Its white to creamy off-white color and neutral odor ensure it doesn't interfere with the final product's appearance or fragrance.
• Solubility: Requires dissolution in hot water (95°C or higher) for optimal gelling.

Versatile Applications and Usage Areas in Cosmetics

Agar-Agar 1100 is a highly versatile ingredient that can significantly enhance the texture, stability, and sensory appeal of numerous cosmetic products (not for use in candles).

• Gel-Based Formulations:
  • Facial Gels & Serums: Create lightweight, refreshing facial gels and hydrating serums that absorb quickly without leaving a sticky residue. Ideal for oily or combination skin.
  • Eye Gels: Formulate cooling and soothing eye gels that help reduce puffiness and hydrate the delicate eye area.
  • Body Gels: Develop invigorating body gels that provide a refreshing sensation, perfect for after-sun care or post-workout relief.
• Masks:
  • Peel-Off Masks: Agar-Agar is excellent for creating effective peel-off facial masks that adhere well to the skin, helping to remove impurities and leave skin feeling smooth.
  • Hydrogel Masks: Can be incorporated into hydrogel mask formulations for intense hydration and nutrient delivery.
• Emulsions (Creams & Lotions):
  • Stabilizer & Thickener: Use as a natural thickener and co-stabilizer in creams and lotions to improve their texture, body, and stability, preventing phase separation. It can provide a pleasant, non-greasy feel.
• Hair Care:
  • Hair Gels: Formulate clear, strong-hold hair gels that provide styling benefits without flaking or stiffness.
  • Hair Masks/Conditioners: Incorporate into rinse-off hair masks or conditioners to provide slip, improve detangling, and add body to formulations.
• Other Unique Applications:
  • Solid Cleansers/Shampoo Bars (Gel-based): Explore innovative solid formats for cleansers or shampoos that melt slightly upon contact with water, offering a unique user experience.
  • Exfoliating Gels: Create gentle exfoliating gels with suspended beads or natural exfoliants, where Agar-Agar provides a stable matrix.
  • "Jelly" Soaps: Formulate playful and refreshing jelly soaps that hold their shape but feel soft and bouncy to the touch.

Agar-Agar 1100 provides formulators with a powerful tool to create innovative textures and stable products that align with the growing demand for natural and plant-based ingredients.

Cosmetic Recipe: "Aqua Quench" Hydrating Gel Mask

Create a refreshing and deeply hydrating gel mask using Agar-Agar 1100 to provide a delightful texture and excellent skin benefits.

Instructions for Preparation:

1. Sanitize: Thoroughly sanitize all your equipment (beakers, stirring rods, containers for the mask) with isopropyl alcohol and allow them to air dry completely.
2. Prepare Phase A: In a heat-resistant beaker, combine distilled water, Agar-Agar 1100, and glycerin.
3. Heat and Dissolve: Heat the mixture to 95°C or higher, stirring continuously until the Agar-Agar is completely dissolved and no particles are visible. This is crucial for proper gelling. You'll notice the mixture thickening slightly.
4. Cool Down: Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool. As it cools, it will start to set into a gel. Continue to stir occasionally during cooling to ensure even gelling. Let it cool to below 40°C (104°F).
5. Add Phase B: Once the gel has cooled to the appropriate temperature, add the hyaluronic acid solution, panthenol, and your chosen preservative. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated into the gel.
6. Check pH (Recommended): Test the pH of your finished gel mask. An ideal pH for a face mask is typically between 5.0 and 6.0. Adjust if necessary by adding a tiny drop of diluted lactic acid to lower pH or diluted baking soda solution to raise pH.
7. Package: Carefully transfer the finished gel mask into a clean, sterile jar or tube.

Recommendations for Application and Use:

• Agar-Agar Concentration: The 1.5% concentration of Agar-Agar 1100 provides a stable, spreadable gel. You can adjust this slightly (e.g., 1% for a softer gel, 2% for a firmer one) based on your desired texture.
• Thorough Dissolution: Ensure the Agar-Agar is fully dissolved at 95°C or above for optimal gelling. Undissolved particles will result in a lumpy texture.
• Cool-Down Phase: Always add heat-sensitive ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and preservatives in the cool-down phase (below 40°C) to protect their efficacy.
• Storage: Store the finished gel mask in a cool, dark place. The preservative is vital for product safety and shelf life.
• Application: Apply a generous layer of the gel mask to clean, dry skin. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use 1-2 times per week.
• Sensory Experience: The gel texture from Agar-Agar provides a wonderfully refreshing and lightweight feel on the skin, perfect for a soothing mask experience.